There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dessert that breaks all the rules—and wins. This Bacon and Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce is one of those rare recipes that combines bold, unexpected flavors into a seamless, unforgettable bite.
Bread pudding is already a beloved comfort dessert: warm, custardy, and slightly nostalgic. But when you add crispy bacon and melty chocolate to the mix, things get seriously exciting. Then, top it all with a silky whiskey cream sauce? Let’s just say this isn’t your grandma’s bread pudding (though she’d probably love it too).
Bacon and Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
A decadent dessert that combines crispy bacon, rich chocolate, and soft custard-soaked bread, topped with a silky whiskey cream sauce. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- For the Whiskey Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Fold in cubed bread, chocolate chips, and crumbled bacon. Let sit for 15 minutes to soak.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until top is golden and center is set.
- While pudding bakes, make whiskey sauce: Combine cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add whiskey and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in butter until smooth.
- Let pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with warm whiskey sauce and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Protein: 9 g
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 5 (1 votes)
Facebook PinterestWhy This Flavor Combo Works
Savory and sweet is a magical pairing, and this dessert proves it. The smoky, salty crunch of bacon offsets the rich creaminess of the custard and the bittersweet depth of melted chocolate chips. The whiskey sauce adds an adult twist with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel that elevate the entire dish to restaurant-worthy status.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads at the table and keeps guests coming back for seconds.
What Makes This Dish Special
- Texture perfection: Soft, custard-soaked bread on the inside, golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Sweet and salty balance: The chocolate and bacon work together in harmony—neither one overwhelms the other.
- Whiskey cream sauce: Adds a rich, warm flavor that enhances the dessert without making it overly boozy.
- Versatility: It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough to make for a cozy family night in.
Tips for Making It Even Better
- Use high-quality bread. Brioche or challah adds extra richness and absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Day-old bread is best. It holds its shape and soaks in the liquid without getting mushy.
- Customize the chocolate. Try chunks of dark chocolate for pockets of intense flavor or swirl in Nutella for a creamy surprise.
- Whiskey-free option? Swap it for vanilla extract or maple syrup in the sauce for a kid-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous pour of whiskey sauce. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is never a bad idea.
Hosting a dinner party? Prep everything in advance and pop it in the oven just before serving. It’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and your guests feel pampered.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon and Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce is more than just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter. It’s the perfect mix of daring and delightful, comfort and class. Whether you’re a bacon lover, a chocolate enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the finer things in life, this dessert is for you.
Try it once, and you may never go back to plain old bread pudding again.
